Dr Ruth Valerio will be installed to the honorary position as Canon Theologian at Rochester Cathedral during a service of Evensong at 3.15pm on Sunday 23 February. All are welcome.

Following the service at 5.00pm, Dr Valerio will talk about her new book ‘Saying Yes to Life’. It is free to attend and all are welcome.

The lecture will conclude with a service of Compline (also known as Night Prayer, the final service of the day) sung by the Lay Clerks.

Dr Valerio is Global Advocacy and Influencing Director at the Christian relief and development charity, Tearfund. In this role she leads a group dedicated to serving those living in poverty by influencing theology and thought, mobilising churches and communities and advocating to governments and institutions. She carries a vision to inspire and equip Christians to a whole-life response to poverty and to caring for God’s world, helping build a movement that brings about lasting change on the issues that impact the poorest and most vulnerable.

Ruth is the author of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent book in 2020, ‘Saying Yes to Life’ – offering a Christian reflection on the environmental and poverty crisis.

Ruth introduces her book in this short video.

After Ruth’s talk please stay for a service of Compline by the light of the Moon, sung by the Lay Clerks. A peaceful service of plainsong, prayer and choral music to end the day.